Master of Inclusive and Specialised Education (1.5 years)

On completion of the course, students will be able to:

1. Analyse, synthesise, and critically reflect on complex and often conflicting research, commentary, concepts, theories, legislation, ethical principles and issues in inclusive and specialised education policy, practice and provision.
2. Design, implement, evaluate, and refine educational opportunities for diverse learners through independent and collaborative practices.
3. Apply research-informed and future-ready knowledge, skills, and dispositions to demonstrate autonomy, expert judgement, adaptability and responsibility as a practitioner.
4. Interpret and transmit knowledge, skills and ideas in the field of inclusive and specialised education to different audiences and for different purposes.
5. Produce a substantial independent research study in an area of personal interest and relevance within the field of inclusive and specialised education.

This course acknowledges the diverse range of learners in preschools and schools and their entitlement to an equitable and appropriate education, and is designed to prepare educators and other professionals to build research-informed knowledge, skills and understandings that will enable them to implement and lead inclusive processes and practices in their schools and sites.

The Master of Inclusive and Specialised Education offers a wide range of topics to enable students to tailor their studies to suit their particular learning goals and contexts.

Recommended study pattern

In the Master of Inclusive and Specialised Education you will study a selection of core topics, and you may choose from a range of option topics and minor programs of study to shape the degree according to your needs and interests.

Complete the Minors below:

Autism and Complex Disabilities

• Complex Communication Needs and Augmentative and Alternative Communication
• Functional Behaviour Assessment in Education
• Personalised Curriculum Design for Learners with Disabilities
• Autism: Teaching and Learning

Education Research

• Approaches to Research
• Research Design and Methods
• Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis in Education
• Independent Research Study

Student Inclusion

• Contemporary Issues and Research in Inclusive Education
• Schoolwide Positive Behaviour Support
• Differentiation and Inclusive Educational Practices
• Educational Planning and Assessment for Students with Diverse Learning Needs

Award requirements

To qualify for the Master of Inclusive and Specialised Education - 1.5 years, a student must complete 54 units with a grade of Pass (P) or Non-Graded Pass (NGP) or better in each topic, following the program of study detailed in the course handbook.

Exit points

Upon completion of 54 units a student may choose to exit with one of the following awards, subject to meeting the program of study for that award:

• Graduate Certificate in Autism and Complex Disabilities: Upon successful completion of 18 units.
• Graduate Certificate in Education Research: Upon successful completion of 18 units.
• Graduate Certificate in Student Inclusion: Upon successful completion of 18 units.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $6,936

The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

Flinders University is a globally-focused, locally-engaged institution with a reputation for excellence in teaching, learning and research. They offer world‐class education that develops the critical and creative thinking skills to support a student’s success. Their courses offered through Open Universities Australia span business, education and law. They are designed with flexibility in mind, while delivering the advanced qualifications to take careers to the next step.

Learn more about Flinders University.

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QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

21

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

20

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent: Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an Australian university or an equivalent overseas qualification in Education., Teaching or a closely related discipline from an approved tertiary institution.

Flinders University conducts an English Language proficiency check on applications submitted for consideration to its courses. 

This will be met in a number of ways, including if the applicants: 

• first language is English (i.e. citizenship is held for a country where English is the official language)
• completed secondary schooling in Australia
• completed prior study in English (e.g. a Certificate IV or higher from a recognised Australian training institution)
• completed one semester of full-time equivalent tertiary study at a higher education institution 
• completed a recognised Foundation Studies or bridging program 
• performance in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) meets the University's admissions requirements 
• registered with an Australian professional registration body relevant to the applicant's proposed course (e.g. applicant holds current registration as a Registered Nurse, General Practitioner, Teacher, Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, Social Worker and such in Australia)
• achieved a score within an international English language proficiency test such as IELTS, PTE, TOEFL or Cambridge CAE that meets the minimum proficiency for the university
• completed an approved English language course from a registered English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) Provider.

In some instances, applicants may be asked to provide evidence they meet the requirements if the information required is not available in their application. 

Credit transfer may be granted, on application, for prior study completed in a relevant honours, graduate certificate, graduate diploma or master degree; accredited professional development; or relevant work experience.

Applications for credit transfer are assessed on a case by case basis according to Flinders University policies. Students must be made an offer for entry into a degree before lodging their completed credit transfer application, along with all necessary documentation for formal assessment.